Horse owners warned to stay hendra vigilant

To date, there have been no human consequences from the outbreak of hendra virus on the New South Wales north coast.

A total of 15 people who had been potentially exposed to the virus, from both the Macksville and Wollongbar areas, have been tested and cleared.

The assistant director of Public Health North Coast, Greg Bell, says the virus can only be transferred to humans via very close contact with an infected animal.

He says people involved with horses should remain vigilant for symptoms and follow rigorous hygiene standards.

"Practice good hygiene after they're dealing with their animals," he said.

"Don't get too involved.

"Not to actually ... kiss your horse around the lips or anything like that and if they need to carry out any veterinary practices involving the head, nose, nasal cavity or anything to make sure they use proper ... [procedures] as recommended by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI)."

Mr Bell says those in close contact with horses should be scrupulous about their hygiene and remain alert for symptoms in their animals.

"You usually look about 72 hours beforehand because some horses for about 48 hours beforehand don't show huge signs and that's why it's imperative that people take it seriously," he said.

"Horse owners and anyone dealing with horses, if they see any illness, especially of a respiratory nature, to make sure they keep well away and call their veterinarian or the DPI."